German Phrase
Willkommen in unserem Hotel!
Meaning
This phrase is a standard and polite greeting used to welcome guests to a hotel. It directly translates to "Welcome in our hotel!" and conveys a warm reception. It's a common expression of hospitality in German-speaking countries.
When to use
This phrase is typically used by hotel staff (receptionists, managers) when a guest arrives at the hotel. It can also be used in other hospitality settings, like guesthouses or bed and breakfasts, to greet new arrivals.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WillkommeninunseremHotel
Willkommen
"Willkommen" functions as an adjective or an interjection meaning "welcome." It's often used alone or with a prepositional phrase to indicate where someone is welcome.
in (Dative Case)
The preposition "in" can take either the dative or accusative case. When indicating a static location ("where?"), it takes the dative case. Here, "in unserem Hotel" answers "where are you welcome?".
unserem (Possessive Pronoun)
"Unserem" is the dative form of the possessive pronoun "unser" (our). Since "Hotel" is a neuter noun ("das Hotel") and "in" requires the dative case for location, "unser" becomes "unserem".
Hotel (Neuter Noun)
"Hotel" is a neuter noun in German ("das Hotel"). In the dative case, neuter nouns typically don't change their ending, but the article or accompanying pronoun (like "unserem") reflects the case.
🗨In Conversation
Guten Tag! Ich habe eine Reservierung unter dem Namen Müller.
Good day! I have a reservation under the name Müller.
Ah, Herr Müller, Willkommen in unserem Hotel! Wir haben alles für Sie vorbereitet.
Ah, Mr. Müller, welcome to our hotel! We have everything prepared for you.
✕Common Mistakes
Willkommen bei unserem Hotel!
"Bei" is generally used for people or companies as a location (e.g., "bei mir" - at my place, "bei Siemens" - at Siemens), not for buildings like hotels when indicating entry or presence inside. "In" is correct for being inside a building.
Willkommen in unser Hotel!
The preposition "in" takes the dative case when indicating a static location ("where?"). "Hotel" is neuter, so "unser" becomes "unserem" in the dative case. If it were motion towards ("where to?"), it would be accusative ("in unser Hotel").
Willkommen in unsere Hotel!
"Hotel" is a neuter noun (das Hotel). In the dative case, the possessive pronoun for a neuter noun is "unserem", not "unsere" (which would be feminine singular or plural).
↔Alternatives
Herzlich willkommen!
A warm welcome! / Heartily welcome!
Schön, dass Sie da sind!
It's nice that you are here!
Guten Tag und willkommen!
Good day and welcome!
Cultural Tip
German hospitality, especially in formal settings like hotels, often emphasizes politeness and efficiency. The use of "Sie" (formal 'you') is standard when addressing guests, as reflected in the implied "Sie" in "Willkommen". While direct, this greeting is genuinely warm. Punctuality and clear communication are also highly valued.